I will bless those who bless you . . .—Genesis 12:3 (NIV)

I have a dear older friend who broke his hip. He’s described the experience to me as going from reasonably fit and strong to feeling frail and elderly almost overnight. Before, he’d always been able to do for himself. And he liked it that way—he despises admitting need. I understand.

Accepting help makes me uncomfortable, too. I hate the thought of inconveniencing others when I feel I should be able to accomplish things on my own.

Now, in my friend’s case, his physical limitations sometimes leave him no choice but to ask for assistance. I know he feels awkward and reluctant about it. I’ve tried to convince him how happy I am to be able to lend a hand. It feels good to be useful!

Recently, though, one of the tasks needed was outside my skill set. I cringed at the idea of asking my husband, Jim, for help. His days are already so busy! But I was touched by how quickly he agreed. And now here he was high up on a ladder, wrestling with a recalcitrant motion-sensor light. Watching him, I thought about all the pressing things I knew were on his to-do list. Things he’d readily put aside to help my friend. As the broken light—fixed now—blinked back to life, my heart filled with gratitude. For Jim, and also for my friend, who—by admitting his need—allowed my husband this opportunity to demonstrate his love to me. What acts of generosity on both their parts.

Thank You, God, for the reminder that my human limitations are a blessing from You. For when I admit them to others, I’m allowing them the chance to shine Your love into the world.